As food insecurity worsens across southern Nevada, strengthening local food production has become critical to ensuring residents can access and afford healthy, nutritious food. To support that effort, University of Nevada, Reno Extension will host Roots 2 Results: Cultivating Farm & Food Systems – Southern Nevada, Feb. 25–27. The event is aimed at advancing resilient local agriculture and is open to all farmers and livestock producers, along with food system professionals, educators, partners and community members.

The event will be held at the Extension office in Clark County, 8050 S. Paradise Road, and will feature educational sessions, interactive discussions and networking opportunities focused on practical tools and real-world applications for small-scale and diversified agricultural operations. Funded and presented in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency, the conference is designed to connect, educate and inspire Nevada’s agricultural community to build resilient, innovative farm and food systems.

The conference will begin with an optional guided local farm tour on Feb. 25, followed by two days of conference sessions and networking. The tour will offer participants a firsthand look at southern Nevada agricultural operations, including Lighthouse Charities, Obodo Collective, Gilcrease Farm and Las Vegas Livestock. Lunch will be provided, creating opportunities for informal networking and discussion with fellow producers and food system partners.

The rest of the conference sessions will be organized around key topic areas, including agriculture and food system planning; planting strategies for pollinator-friendly gardens; business, farm and food enterprise planning; financial management and risk reduction; and approaches to building resilient, sustainable and successful operations. The sessions are designed to support both small and large producers as they navigate production, price, market, financial, institutional and personal risks. Information shared throughout the event will help agricultural operators make informed, strategic risk management decisions.

A similar Roots 2 Results conference will be offered in northern Nevada March 24-27, with details to be announced as they become available.

The cost to attend the conference meetings only is $81.88, and $113.89 for meetings plus the local farm tour. Register and get full details online.

For more information, email Kaley Chapin, lead agriculture program coordinator with University of Nevada, Reno Extension, or call her at 702-467-2668. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the event.